Covering attachment for car-roofs



Mw e h s .w e e h s 2 R... E E T N O M N. Am d d O M O /N\ GOVERING ATTACHMENT FOR CAR ROOTS.

No. 507,627. Patented Oct. 31,1893.

(No Model.) 2 s heetssheet 2, A. N. MONTBER'. YGOVERINGr ATTACHMENT FOR GAR ROOFS.

Patented' ont. 31, 1893.

wwww ,Q

wNUvN uw AKN @Y lUNrTnD STATES PATENT FFICE.

ALEXANDER N. MONTEER, OF SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI.

COVERING ATTACHMENT FOR CAR-ROFS.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 507,627, dated October 31, 1893.

Application tiled May 12,1893.

T0 all whoml it may con/cern:

Be it known that .I, ALEXANDER N. MoN- TEER, of Springfield, Greene county, Missouri, haveinvented certain new and usefullm provements in CoveringAttachments for Car-Roofs, of which the following is a full, clear, and exact description, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, forming a part hereof.

My invention relates to improvements in car roof attachments.

The objects of my invention are to produce a car roof covering attachment, which shall allow for expansion and contraction in every direction; and which shall be so constructed as to render the roof absolutely water-proof at all times.

A further object of my invention is to produce car roof attachments which shall be simple, strong, durable and inexpensive of construction, Which shall be applicable to a great variety of car roofs, and which shall be se cured thereon Without the use of nails or rivets.

With these objects in view the invention consists in certain peculiar and novel features of construction and combinations of the parts, as will be hereinafter described and pointed out in the claims.

In order that my invention may be fully understood, I will proceed to describe it with reference to the accompanying drawings, in Which- Figure l, is a plan view ofa portion of a car roof and showing my covering attachments applied thereto. Fig. 2, is a vertical sectional View taken on the line 2-2 of Fig. l, and as viewed in the direction indicated by arrows. Fig. 3, is a top plan View of a portion of the car roof, and showing a portion of my car roof covering attachments broken away to more clearly expose the construction thereof. Fig. 4, is a vertical sectional view taken on the line 4 4 of Fig. 1, and is viewed in the direction indicated by arrows. Fig. 5, is a perspective view showing the manner of connecting the top plates of the covering attachment, so as to allow for lateral movement. Fig. 6, is a top plan of the attachments shown in Fig. 5. Fig. 7, is a vertical sectional view taken on the line 7-7 of Fig. l. Fig. 8, is adetail perspective view of one of the outer corners of the top plates. Fig. 9, is a detail perspective serial No. 473,945. (No model.)

view of the end of one of the telescopic casings forthe cross strips or cleats of the roof, and Fig. 10, is a horizontal sectional view taken on the line 10-10 of Fig. 2.

Referring to the drawings, l designates a .portion of the car whichmay be yof any suitable construction for the transportation of the more valuable classes of freight, and 2 designates the roof. Extending transversely of the roof at suitable intervals are cross strips or cleats 3, which preferably end a slight distance from the side margins of the roof, and from the apex thereof.

4 and l? designate a numberof top plates which are adapted. to rest upon the roof and between the cleats or cross-strips 3. These cleats 3, have theirsides inclined downwardly and inwardly at 3b; the object of which will be hereinafter explained. The-top plates 4 are bent vertically at 5 near their upper ends; then horizontally at 6 fora suitable distance, and are` then bent vertically downward to form a retaining .flange 7; thus forming a space 8, extending longitudinally of the roof and for the entire width of each top-platea. Each top plate 4 and 4 is also provided with vertical flanges 8 at each side margin; these ilanges being adapted to rest against the ad'- jacent inclined-sides 3b of each pair of cross strips or cleats 3; the outer ends of said vertical flanges 8 terminating a short distance from the side margins of the car, and .are turned outwardly preferably as shown in Figs.,Z 1 and 8, and are tapered downwardly as at? 8b to the upper side of the top-plate. v-At theouter end of this tapered portion,each top` plate is adapted to meet a similar portion of the adjacent top-plate as shown in Fig. 1;. thus forming a V-shaped space between'each pair of topplates for the reception of the pointed end 3 of the cross-strips or cleats, and also forming a guide or way 8 upon each side of the strips, by which the water at those points will be conveyed to the edge of the roof. The outer end of each top plate is also bent downward and inward in U-form at l0,

so as to inclose the outer edges or eaves of the roof, and the lower end llof each top plate is extended downward a short distance so as to lie against the upper portion of the sides of the car as shown. Each top plate 4 is also provided with a'n extension 9, project- IOO ing horizontally from and preferably formed with the horizontal portion 6 and at each end thereof, and about halt way the width of the cross strips or cleats 3 as shown in Fig. 1. The upper or inner end of each top plate 4a is formed with a vertical and upwardly eX- tending flange 4b which in its normal position, occupies the center of space 8", and which is adapted as the car expands or contracts as hereinafter referred to in the operation, to move laterally in the space 8a formed between the vertical portions 5 and 7and the horizontal portion 6 of the plates 4; the bodyportionsof said plates 4a passing un der the free end of the flange 7 as clearly shown in Fig. 7, and the side flanges 8 of said top-plates 4,

fitting at opposite ends of said flange 7, and

vertical extension 25 which is adapted to rest inclosing the same.l

Each of the cross strips or cleats y3 is inclosed at its `top and two sides by an elongated metal casing or cap 12 which is of approximately inverted U-form in cross-section, and which is of such length as to extend from theouter side of the vertical portions 5 Aand 7 `of the top plates 4 to within a suitable distance of the outer ends of said cleats or cross strips 3. The top of each of these caps or casings 12 is of slightly greater Width than the width of the top of the cleat or strip 3, the height of the sides of said casing or caps corresponding approximately to the thickness of the strips 3, and closely embracing the lapped or flanged edges 8 of `the `top plates 4 and 4", so as to form a perfectly water-tight joint, as shown. rlhe inner end of each cap or casing 13 is preferably formed with an eX- tension 12, which is adapted to fit upon and extend about halt' way the width of the horizontal portion 6 of the top plates 4, in such manner that the inner edge of the extension 1310i' each oppositely disposed pair of caps or casings 12 is adjacent to each other, orincontact as shown in Fig. 3. Extending vertically through each cap or casing 12 and inclosed cross strip or cleat 3,0n the roof 2 are a `number of bolts 14,and the lower ends of these bolts `are `engaged by the retaining nuts 15, which bear against the under side `of the roof of the car. The innermost bolt 14 of each cleat and casing, is provided with an extension 16, which projects through an opening in the cross-piece 17, and their upper ends are engaged by retaining nuts 18 which rest in recesses 19 in the upper edge of the cross pieces 17. The running boards 2O are securedlongitudinally of the car and upon the cross-pieces 17 in the usual manner. It will :thus be seen that the juncture points of theextensions 9 of the top plates 4, and the overlapping extensions 13 of the caps or casings l2, are covered by the cross-pieces 17, which in turn are covered by the running boards 2O at the top of the casing; thus preventing any water leaking through the rooi" at those points. The lower or outer `ends of the crossstrips 3, a suitable distance inward of the free ends of the caps or casings 12 are formed with a recess 3' and inclosing the recessed ends of said cross strips or cleats 3, are the movable caps 2l; said caps being provided with side flanges 22 inclosing the adjacent side flanges 8 of the top-plates, upon each side of the cleats or cross strips, and inclosed by or within the side flanges ot' the caps or casings 12. These movable casings or caps 21, are also formed with the inclined ends 23; said inclination being adapted to strengthen or stien said caps, and also preferably corresponding to the inclination 8b of the ends ot side flanges 8 of the top plates. The movable caps or casings 2l are also provided with the curved end 24 which is adapted to inclose the curved end l0 of the top plates, and is further formed with a pendent against the outer side of the vertical eXtension 11 of the top plates. A horizontally eX- `tending strip 26 is located at each side of the car, and each of said strips has its vertical `face litting against the outer side of extensions 25 of the movable caps 21 and has its upper horizontal side bearing against the under side of the curved portion 24 thereof; these strips 26 being secured to the sides of the car by screws or other suitable means. Each of the caps 2l is provided near its inner end and projecting outwardly from the outer sides of the flanges 22, with a pin or lug 26, these pins fitting and adapted to slide in the guide grooves 27 formed longitudinally in the inner sides of the vertical flanges of the outer caps or casings 12, and `near their free ends. The edges of the pendent flanges 7 of the top-plates 6, and also the edges of the pendent flanges of the caps or casings 12 and 21, as shown in Fig. 4, are turned or bent outwardly to stiften said flanges, and also to prevent wear of the adjacent parts of the top-plates, by frictional contact, as would be the case, were the sharp corners of the margins of said flanges to impinge directly `upon said top-plates.

From the above description, it will be seen that with any lateral contraction or expansion of the car,tl1e telescopic or movablecaps 21 will slide longitudinally within the free ends of the caps or casings 12; the guide pins or lugs 26l in the grooves 27 being adapted t-o limit said movement, and at the same time the lateral expansion or contraction of `the car allows the vertical flange 4b of the inner end of the top plates 4u to move laterally in the space Sa formed by the vertical portions 5 and 7 and the Ihorizontal portion 6 of the top plates 4.

The object in making `the cross-strips or cleats with downwardly and inwardly inclined sides is to allow the upper side margins of said cross-strips or cleats to fit comfortablybetween the upper margins of' the adjacent flanges 8 of each pair of top-plates 4 and 4, so `as to prevent any rattling `or noise when the car is in motion, and at the same time to allow suiicient space betweenA IOO IIO

the inner sides of the inclosing caps and the said strips or cleats for any slight lateral lexpansion or contraction of the top-plates.

From the above description, it will be seen that I have produced covering attachments for car roofs which are simple, strong, durable andinexpensive of construction, which will allow for the expansion or contraction of the car in every direction, which shall be so constructed as to render the roof absolutely water proof at all times, and which can be very easily and equally applied to or removed from the car, and secured without the use of nails or rivets. Y v

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-

1. In a covering attachment for car-roofs,

the combination with a top-plate laid uponthe roof and having its outer end bent to inclose the eaves of the roof at one side, andformed with a recess in its under side which extends longitudinally and is arranged above the apex or ridge of theroof, of a second topplate also laid upon the roof and at the opposite side of the apex or ridge thereof, and also having its outer end bent to inclose the eaves of the roof at its other side, and having an u pwardly extending ange normallyrengaging the center of the recess of the iirst mentioned top-plate, and arranged to have lateral and independent movement in said recess as the car contracts or expands, substantially as set forth.

2. In a covering attachment for car-roofs, the combination with a top-plate laid upon the roof, and having upwardly extending flanges at each side margin, and also having an upwardly extending flange formed at the inner margin of the top-plate and connecting the inner ends of the side marginal flanges, and arranged longitudinally and above the apex or ridge of the roof, of a second top-plate also laid upon the roof at the opposite side of the ridge, and having a recess in its under side, formed by bending said plates, first upwardly, then horizontally over the iiange at the inner end of the first-named top-plate, and then downwardly between the side marginal flanges and at the outer side of the above mentioned longitudinally extending tiange of the first-mentioned top-plate, said top-plates being arranged to have lateral and independent movement toward or from each other as the car contracts or expands laterally, sub.

stantially as set vt'orth. 4 3. A covering attachment for car-roofs, comprising top-plates laid upon the roof and bent at their outer ends to inclose the eaves of the root', a recess formedin the under sides of thesetop-plates, by bending said top-plates,

longitudinally of the roof, rst upwardly, then.

sions or continuations of the similar and adjacent top-plates, substantially as set forth.

ings in such manner as to allow for the lateral expansion or contraction of the to p-plates, substantially as set forth.

5. A covering attachment for car-roofs, vcomprising cross-strips or cleats laid transversely of and extending from the apex toward the:

eaves of the roof', and formed with downwardly and inwardly inclined sides, and topf plates laid-upon the roof between said cross strips or cleats, and bent at their outer ends to inclose the eaves ofthe roof,rand also formed with upwardly extending iianges at their side margins fitting against the inclined or beveled sides of the cross-strips or cleats, an upwardly extending flange rising from the inner ends of certain of these top-plates andy connecting the inner ends of the side flanges thereof', and extending longitudinally of and above the apex of the roof, and a recess formed in the under side of the remainder of these -top-plates and inclosing the upwardly extending flanges of the first mentioned topplates, and extensions projecting from each end of the recess and formed integral with the last mentioned top-plates to meet the extensions of the similar and adjacent topplates, and caps or casings fitting over the cross strips or cleats and overlapping the side flanges of the top-plates and also over lapping the extensions at each end ofthe recesses formed therein, and a transverse bridge piece, fitting upon` and covering the adjacent inner ends of each cap or casing adjacent to the apex or-ridge of the roof, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

6. A covering attachment for car-roofs, comprising a number of transverse cross-strips or cleats, having their sides beveled downwardly and inwardly and formed with a recess in their upper sides, top-plates laid upon the roof and having their lower or outerlends bent to inclose the eaves of the roof, and having side marginal flanges fitting against the adjacent inclined or beveled sides of the cross strips or cleats, caps or casings bolted upon and overlapping the recessed portions thereof, and also having pendent side flanges over` lapping the side flanges of the top-plates, and telescopic caps or casings inclosing the lower ends of the cross-strips or cleats and engaging the recessed portions thereof beneath IOC IIO

the upper sides of the cross-strips or cleats' the end of the fixed or stationary caps or casings, and also overlapping the side flanges of the top-plates, and having their outer ends bent around they bent outer ends of the topi upper sides recessed, top-plates laid upon the roof and having their outer ends bent to in-` close the eaves ot' the root` and also formed with side marginal flanges iitting against the adjacent sides of the cross-strips or cleats, telescopic caps or casin'gs inclosing the recessed portions of said cross-strips or cleats and also overlapping the adjacent flanges of 1 the top plates, and formed with outstanding pins or lugs at their outer sides, and having their outer ends bent around and then extended vertically downward against the lower ends of the top-plates, and a retaining strip secured to each side of the car and bearing against the outer sides of the vertically depending ends of the telescopic caps or casings, in combination with stationary caps or casings, also inclosing said cross-strips or cleats and inclosing the inner endsof the teiescopic-caps or casings, and provided with depending flanges overlapping the side anges of the top-plates and the sides of the telescopic-caps or casings, and grooves formed in said pendent flanges engaging the pins or lugs of the telescopiccaps or casings, substantially as set forth.

S. A covering attachment for car-roofs, comprising a number of cross-strips or cleats laid j transversely of and extending from the apex toward the-eaves of the roof,-and having their onter ends beveled or tapered to a point,

and top-plates laid upon the rooiand` interposed between the cross-strips or cleats, and having their outer ends bent to inclose the eaves of thereof, and also having" upwardly extending anges at each side margin terminating adjacent to the curved outer end, and bent outwardly a suitable distance from their points of termination to inclose they pointed ends of the cross strips or cleats and to form water-Ways at their inner sides,iand also beveled downwardly or tapered totheupper'side of the topi-plate,in combination with acap or casing inclosingthe pointed ends oli the crossstrips or cleats and the turned or bent and beveled anges of the adjacent top-plates, substantial-ly as set forth. 1

In testimony whereof Iiaii'ix my signaturein the presence of two witnesses.

ALEXANDER N. MONTEER.

Witnesses:

MAUD FITZPATRICK, Gr. Y. THORPE` 

